A possible new beach concession at one of Bermuda's best snorkelling spots has been delayed.

It will be early in the New Year before the partners who ran the stand at Church Bay will know whether or not they are to be granted a new permit for the 1999 season.

The Parks Commission was due to discuss the controversial application, by Glenn Johnson and Alex Madeiros, in November.

But because of the General Election, all business for the Commission was suspended in November and December.

In the wake of the PLP victory, all members of the Parks Commission were asked to resign.

A new board has not yet been announced.

It is understood the Parks Department is waiting for the new list of members, in order to schedule a meeting by the end of January. It is hoped the Church Bay permit application will be on the agenda.

The permit -- which allows the renting of snorkels and masks and the sale of drinks -- was originally granted for one year.

It caused anger amongst some environmentalists and local residents, who feared the concession could ruin the picturesque beach with a massive increase in the number of visitors.

Many objected to the Parks Commission, which still granted the permit, although the concessionaires said they had gained the support of many locals who thought they were doing a good job.

Mr. Johnson said they had kept the area clean and had warned visitors about standing on the fragile reefs.

Later in the year, the former Parks director Bill Cook invited comments from the public on the vendors, to be forwarded to the commission when the permit was discussed.

Yesterday Glenn Johnson said he was still waiting to hear when the permit would be reviewed.

RESTAURANT EAT